Mayor's End-of-Year Message

Whew! We survived! Those were the first words to come to mind when I began to think about a year-end letter. The City of Gunnison has weathered the recession better than many of our peers. Thanks in large measure to cautious budgeting, patient employees who endured another year of frozen pay while continuing to work as hard as ever, and scaled back projects. At the same time, City utilities and services continued without any degradation. The City has been able to maintain a healthy cash reserve as well. No drawing down our reserves to keep things running!

Not only have we survived, I believe we have positioned our community to thrive. The City has fully implemented an automated refuse collection system that encourages recycling through a "pay as you throw" rate structure and manages operational costs by requiring fewer employees.

The City of Gunnison hosted and sponsored events - from the NIght of LIghts to Rage in the Sage to 4th of July & Cattlemen's Days to Car Show & WOW, Sea to Shining Sea Veterans Ride and the Bicycle Tour of Colorado, Public Safety Exposition at Jorgensen and Gunnison River Festival, Diamonds in the Rockies, fishing and Outdoor Sports Derby, Gunsmoke-in-Gunnison, the Mud Run, and Carvin' Up Colorado - to name a few...AND I'll mention planning for the Quizno's Pro Challenge in 2011. Have you noticed the number of hockey tournaments being held in our ice facilities? Youth hockey has emerged as an important economic force in our community.

We have worked to prepare our community for the future as well. The City has worked with Gunnison Rising to adopt ordinances accepting the annexation and zoning the property for the Division of Wildlife's Discovery Center. A long-range plan for the development of the Van Tuyl Ranch has been adopted and we have taken the first steps toward completion of the "Bridge-to-Bridge" trail. The City has helped high school and college groups to support the hugely successful RTA ground transportation program by building several shelters at bus stops.

We have further helped our community by obtaining state and federal grant monies to fund park improvements, streetscape changes, and renewable energy facilities. Nearly all those outside dollars went to local businesses for construction and implementation.

Welcome 2011: we will tackle our challenges; we will keep our heads up; and we will seek more opportunities to make Gunniosn the best place to live and work. Thank you all for the privilege of serving this wonderful community!
Stu Ferguson, City of Gunnison Mayor

New Year's Holiday Schedule and Closures

City of Gunnison offices will be closed on Friday, December 31st for the New Year's Holiday. The Police Department Officers, Fire Department and Commuication Center employees will be on duty.

The Gunnison Community Center/Aquatics Facility will be open from 6am to 5pm on Friday, December 31st, although the Parks & Recreation administrative office will be closed that day.
The entire Community Center building and pools will be closed on Saturday, January 1, 2011.

If your refuse would normally be picked up on Friday, December 31st, it will be collected on Monday, January 3, 2011. If you have any questions please call 641-8020 or 641-8080.

Happy New Year from all the City employees.

City Holiday Closures

To celebrate the Christmas Holiday, City offices will be closed on Thursday, December 23rd and Friday, December 24th. Police Officers (not office personnel), Fire Department and Communications Center employees will be working to ensure the safety of our citizens and visitors.

City offices will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, December 27th. Check for the Community Center/Pool hours and offerings at www.Gunnisonrec.com Happy Holidays! from all the City Council and City employees.

Holiday Refuse Schedule

Happy Holidays from the City Refuse Crew.
To celebrate the Christmas Holiday - the City of Gunnison crew will be off on Thursday, December 23rd and Friday, December 24th.
If your normal refuse collection day is Thursday, your trash will be picked up on Wednesday, December 22nd this week. If your refuse collection day is normally on Friday, then your trash will be collected on Monday, December 27th.
Remember - with the snowy weather and the extra pickups on Wednesday and Monday, the crews may be slightly late in picking up your refuse containers. Please be patient and have a safe holiday!

Winter Recreation Programs Info Available

Looking for something to do? How about swimming, gymnastics, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, indoor soccer, indoor track, cross-country skiing, tae-kwan-do, hockey, ice skating, rock climbing, aerobic fitness or even underwater hockey? Well, you're in luck..

The Gunnison Parks and Recreation Winter Program Brochure is now available! Registration begins today, Monday, December 13th. Printed brochures are available at the Gunnison Community Center, the Ice Rink at Jorgensen Event Center and at City Hall. (Brochures will not be distributed to the schools.)

The brochure can be viewed online at www.Gunnisonrec.com There is also a new virtual online brochure at www.tinyurl.com/gunnisonwinterprograms This last link gives you the opportunity to view the brochure in its original print form and you can also register for all rpgrams at this link. If you have any questions - call Gunnison Parks & Recreation at 970-641-8060.

Start of the Holiday Season

There is a lot going on this weekend in the Gunnison Valley. The Annual Chamber of Commerce "Night of Lights" starts at 5:30pm downtown. Stroll among the festive light displays, stop and make a s'more or indulge in a cup of hot cocoa, enjoy the holiday music of the High School Band or join in the carolers at the Arts Center. Santa should be arriving at 6:30pm to light up the beautiful Christmas Tree on South Main Street. If you need to warm up - stop by the art galleries and shops participating in the First Friday Gallery Crawl. Beautiful and intriguing art can be seen at Rocky Mountain Frames, the Gunnison Gallery, Mochas and the Gunnison Center for the Arts. There is also live music provided by Chris Coady at the Gunnison Gallery.

Start Saturday morning with a latte or mocha at one of the locally owned coffee shops in town. At 9am, is the start of the annual Christmas Bazaar at St. Peter's Parish Hall located at 400 W. Georgia Avenue. You can select gifts from a wide selection of handmade arts and crafts items and fill a holiday tin with yummy cookies and treats.

Head over to the lobby of Bank of the West at North Main and West Virginia Avenue at 10am. You can change your $80 in cash into $100 in Gunnison Greenbacks. The Greenbacks are valid on Satuday and Sunday and are accepted by most businesses in town. You get a "free" $20 for your holiday shopping. What a deal! Many local businesses are offering additional discounts this weekend. Shop Local and support your local business owners who happen to be your friends and neighbors.

While you are shopping downtown, head over to Pat's Screen Printing at 244 N. Main and have your picture taken with your "Santa Claws" pet. This fun event benefits the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League. Ho-Ho-Woof!

The Gunnison Arts Center will be hosting their annual Gala on Saturday evening. The "Come to the Cabaret" Gala starts at 6pm at the Arts Center. Tickets are available at the Center and for more information about the event go to www.gunnisonartscenter.org.

On Sunday, after church and a hearty breakfast at one of Gunnison's restaurants, from Noon until 4pm, many of the downtown businesses will be hosting their annual Holiday Open Houses.
Check out the unique and fun items to satisfy your holiday gift list. You can visit with your friends and neighbors, find just the right gifts, enjoy some refreshments and support our local economy.

When your Christmas gift list is filled, head over to the Gunnison Ice Rink for some skating, take an invigorating stroll or jog on one of the local trails, catch a movie at the Ruby Cinema on the WSC Campus, climb the wall or take a plunge at one of the indoor swimming pools at the Gunnison Community Center. There's always something to do in the Gunnison Valley!

Decking the Halls

In anticipation of Friday, December 3rds "Night of Lights", the City Electric, Public Works, and Parks crews have been busy decking the halls of Gunnison! This is a tremendous task in putting up the street light pole wreaths and garlands, cutting and installing the South Main Street Christmas Tree, lighting up the downtown street trees with twinkly lights and making sure Santa will make an appearance.

In anticipation of the season, the City Electric Crew started decorating the street light poles before Thanksgiving. It takes a while to make sure everything is up securely and is in working order prior to the festivities.

This year's holiday tree was generously donated by the Schwatz family at 208 S. Colorado Street. The City crews cut, transported and installed the tree on Monday, November 29th. Lights, garland and ornaments were then added to the beautiful green boughs.

The Streets & Alley crew have ensured that Santa paid a visit. You can see the jolly old elf on the new pedestrian bridge over the Gunnison River at the west edge of town. On Donner and Blintzen!

Friday evening, the Streets Crew will barricade the side streets along Main Street for the Annual Night of Lights. The Police Department will help with traffic control and the intersection of Main and Tomichi will be closed at 6:30pm to ensure everyone safely crosses the street for the tree lighting. It takes a lot of work on everyones part but it is worth it! Get out and enjoy this fun and festive kick-off to the holiday season.

Many thanks to all of these City Christmas Elves for their assistance in making this a fun and safe annual event!

Happy Thanksgiving!

City Council and City Staff Wish Everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Most City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 25th and Friday, November 26th in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. As always, our dedicated police officers, fire department and communications/dispath employees will be on duty and ready to serve the community.

Refuse collection schedule: If your refuse is usually collected on Thursday, it will be collected on Wednesday this week. If your refuse is usually picked up on Friday, it will be collected on the following Monday. Please call the Public Works Department at 641-8020 if you have questions.

At the Gunnison Community Center and Aquatics Facility - On Wednesday - they will have regular hours of 6am to 9pm with open swim from 12pm to 8:45pm. The climing wall will be open from 12 noon to 7pm.
The entire facility is closed on Thursday, November 25th for Thanksgiving.
On Friday, November 26th - there will be limited hours of 8am to 8pm. Please note there is NO early morning swim on Friday. The pools will open at 8am. The climbing wall be open from 12 noon to 7pm and Open Swim hours are 12 noon to 7:45 pm.
Saturday and Sunday the facility will be open for regular weekend hours. Call or visit the website for more information: 641-8060 or http://www.gunnisonrec.com/

THANKS to our Vets!

The City of Gunnison sends many thanks to all of the Veterans of the US Armed Forces. Your service and dedication are appreciated by all our citizens.

There will be a Veterans Day ceremony at Legion Park at 11am on Thursday, November 11th. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, that was vandalized earlier this year, has been repaired and will be re-dedicated. Mayor Stu Ferguson will read a City Proclamation honoring Veterans and those still serving our country in the Armed Forces.

On Thursday, November 11th, the City will observe Veterans Day and City offices will be closed. The Police Department, Communications Center and Fire Department remain on duty. Normal business hours will resume on Friday morning, November 12th. The Gunnison Aquatics Facility will be open from 8am to 9pm. There will be NO early morning swim on Thursday morning.

If your normal refuse pickup day is on Thursday, your refuse and recycling will be picked up this week on Friday, November 12th.

Just a reminder - the City's tree/leaf/grass dump will close for the season this Saturday, November 13th. It will be open that day from 9am to 3pm.

Bridging the Gap

The new Bridge-to-Bridge Trail pedestrian/bicycle bridge has been placed over the Gunnison River south of the twin Highway 50 bridges. Lacy Construction, contractor for the project, brought in a crane on Wednesday and the metal bridge was lifted into place and secured to the concrete bridge footers. The concrete bridge decking will now be poured, surrounding dirt work will be finished and the trail river crossing project will be completed. What a great trails amenity!

Gunnison County is working just below the bridge and trail site on placing boulders in the river for the new Gunnison Whitewater Park water feature. Not only will the new feature be fun and challenging for rafters and kayakers and provide some enticing pools for "fisherpersons", it will also enhance the existing irrigation ditch diversion structure at that location.

Another Busy Weekend

There are lots of activities to keep everyone busy this weekend. The Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet is this evening, Friday, October 22nd. The "People's Choice Awards" will be presented. The City's Jorgensen Park was selected as the best park and the Gunnison Community Center was selected by the voters to be the best place to take your kids in Gunnison. Thanks to everyone who voted for these City recreation facilities.

It's Family Weekend on the WSC Campus. Welcome to all of the visiting family members! We hope you enjoy your visit in our community. The WSC Cross-Country team hosts the "Mountaineer Open" at 9am on Saturday morning starting at the Gunnison Middle School. Western State College's Mountaineer Football team then hosts the Colorado School of Mines on Saturday afternoon at the College Bowl.

If you're feelin "on-target" sign up your team for the WSC "Splatterfest 2010" a paintball competition starting at 11am at the WSC Crimson Field.

On Saturday morning at 9am - there will be an indoor Community "Yard Sale" in the 'rubber room' at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center at the Rodeo Grounds. Stop by for some bargains and maybe buy a treasure or two. Then stroll into the next room and visit the Gunnison Farmers' Market starting at 9:30am on Saturday morning. Stock up on fresh autumn produce and freshly baked bread and pastries.

Saturday evening at 5pm by the IOOF Park downtown will be the "Thrill the World" dance. Join fellow dancers around the Country in your dancing to "Thriller". It's free and a lot of fun!

Have a safe a relaxing weekend.

Arbor Day in October

Better late than never - the City celebrated Arbor Day on October 20th this year. Mayor Stu Ferguson read a Proclamation declaring the day as "Arbor Day" and City Manager Ken Coleman and the Public Works crew were in attendance to help plant trees.

The City planted 7 new street trees on the City right-of-way that was reworked this summer on the east side of the 100 Block of North Wisconsin. Several old, massive, and rotten cottonwood trees were removed earlier this summer and some of the trunks were carved during the Carvin' Up Colorado event in August! The concrete sidewalk and curb & gutter were repaired/replaced and the new street trees were planted. They will shade and delight our citizens for years to come.

Out at the River..

Work continues on the City's Bridge-to-Bridge trail system. The pedestrian/bicycle bridge is in place and final dirt work should be taking place this week on the North Bridge River crossing trail segment. Out west by the "Twin Bridges", the bridge has been delivered, the concrete is curing on the bridge footers and dirt work continues. Barring really bad weather, the pedestrian bridge on this western trail segment should be set in-place on October 25th or 26th.

Work continues on the 200 and 300 Block of South Boulevard. In preparation work for the new asphalt, it was discovered the base material in the street was clays and sand. This unstable material was dug out and new compactable rock and gravel was hauled in and placed. This will create a much more stable base for the asphalt and will extend the life of the pavement. Also in an effort to extend the life of the paved streets - cracksealing will start soon. The last day to dig in City right-of-way will be November 12th and the City's tree dump will close for the season on Saturday, November 13th. The leaves should be done dropping by then??

Over in the Parks & Recreation Department, the youth soccer and football fall leagues are ending this week. The Jorgensen Ice Rink is in full swing with leagues and clinics. The Grand Valley Ice Club from Grand Junction has even reserved some ice time since their rink has closed. The restrooms in the parks are being winterized and closed for the season. Fall is definitly in the air!

News from Parks & Recreation

The Community Aquatics Center will be open on Monday, October 11th - Columbus Day - from 8am to 9pm. there will be NO early morning swim time that day.

RE1J is in session on Monday and the climbing hours will be 3:30pm to 7:30pm. Since RE1J has no school on Thursday and Friday, October 14th and 15th - the climbing wall will be open from 12pm to 7:30 pm on those two days.

In "cooler news" the Indoor Ice Rink will be opening for the season on SUNDAY, October 10th. For an ice rink schedule - go to http://www.gunnisonrec.com/ Come out and enjoy the fabulous City recreational facilities!

This Week's Happenings

After another beautiful fall weekend in Gunnison, City employees are hard at work around town. Parking spaces and centerline paint stiping will take place on the newly paved 100 Blocks of West Virginia and West Georgia Avenues. Slurry sealing of streets has been canceled for this year due to the cooler temperatures. The contractor was unable to get to Gunnison earlier this year for more favorable conditions. Street work continues on the extension of West Tomichi Avenue (west of 10th Street). Clay soils were encountered when the asphalt was removed, and this unstable material needs to be removed and replaced prior to asphalt being placed on the street. We're hoping for asphalt to go down this Thursday or Friday. Street preparation work, in the form of new concrete drain pans being poured, is taking place on West Bidwell Avenue. Once this concrete work is accomplished, pavement will be placed. The intersection of West New York at South Boulevard will be the next damaged street to be torn out and replaced with new asphalt. Again, the Streets crew appreciates your cooperation in driving around these construction projects. Once re-done, the streets are well-worth the effort and inconvenience.
Out at the Bridge-to-Bridge Trail section on the west edge of town, concrete will be poured for the walls and east bridge footer. This work is best accomplished at low water conditions.
The Electric Crew has placed the underground conduit across WSC's property at the old Ruland School site and they are now pulling the primary electric cable through the conduit. Once the cable is placed, the old overhead electric line will be taken down. This should improve the visual aesthetics of the WSC entry corridor.

Remember - City irrigation ditch water will be turned off late Monday, October 4th or early October 5th. Pull and drain your ditch pump to prevent damage.

The Parks Crew is busy putting the parks grounds "to bed" for the season and are prepping the indoor ice rink for opening next Sunday, October 10th. Fall Recreation programs continue.
The Finance Department is busy processing the October utility bills. These are due by October 10th. The Department is also working on the 2011 City Budget. The budget will be formally presented to Council on October 12th.
The City Clerk's Department is in the initial stages of the new City website development and is processing the case load from the last two weeks of Municipal Court sessions. We're even starting the initial preparations for next spring's Regular Municipal Election.

At the Tuesday, October 5th City Council Work Session meeting, your elected officials will be discussing budget issues. These include: a street plaza; grants and contracts for service; and the Gunnison Housing Authority. Also being discussed is the old City Shop asbestos abatement and an update on the slurry seal project. The public is encouraged to attend City Council meetings.

Happenings in the City

The Community Center has bailed its way out of the Monday morning sewer problems. Everything is back to normal and operating normally. Also at Parks & Recreation, the fall rec programs are in full swing. The youth soccer and football programs have great participation. Go teams!
The Finance Department is finalizing the 2009 City Audit and working on the 2011 City Budget. City Council will hold its annual work session this evening, Tuesday, September 21st. Copies of the draft budget are available at City Hall.
The Police Department has started its "Good Neighbor Program". Neighborhoods that have experienced loud party noise complaints or littering issues are visited by the PD with the hopes that problems can be resolved within the neighborhood - not in the courts.
The Public Works crews are tearing up the 100 Block of West Georgia Avenue. Thanks to everyone for their patience during this paving project. The street will hopefully be sporting a new asphalt mat by the end of the week. The City irrigation ditches will be turned off the week of October 4th. Don't forget to drain and remove your ditch pump to prevent damage. Sturgeon Electric is repacing rotten utlity poles. Finally, the crews are hauling approximately 3000 yards of tree chips from the tree dump to the Wastewater Treatment Plant to be made into compost. This is the yard waste produced by our citizens. What a great way to save energy and produce a useable, sustainable product! Go Green Gunnison!
Have a great week!

Community Center MONDAY Morning

It's definitly a Monday morning up at the City Community Center. The building had a sewer backup in a couple of the restroom areas and due to minor flooding in the mechanical room, the phone system at the Center has been intermittent. If you call and get a busy signal - or no signal - try again at a later time. The phones have been going in and out.
The good news - a plumber is on the way to route out the sewer line and the phone company has been notified. The swimming pool, gym areas, and meeting rooms are unaffected and continue to be open. Have a great Monday everyone!

The Mat is going down!

The City's asphalt contractor, Pavement Management Services, is busy placing the asphalt "mat" on the 100 Block of West Virginia. The crews will be working on Friday until the pavement is complete. The north driving lane has been opened for vehicular traffic. If you are driving through the area, please be very cautious and watch for the construction trucks, City streets crew, pedestrians and bicyclists. It is a very congested and busy area during the project.

It's Friday evening of a beautiful Indian Summer day. Head on over to the Gunnison Community Pool for the "Dive at 5" kids program. There are supervised games and a lot of splish-splashing fun. After supper, as the planet Venus (some call it the evening star) sets in the West and Jupiter starts it's climb in the East - head out to the Gunnison Valley Observatory, located on Gold Basin Road across from Hartman Rocks Recreation area. The gates open at 7:30pm with viewing through the publicly-owned 30" telescope taking place at dusk. It should be a clear, crisp night for viewing. There is a $3.00 requested donation per person. Dress warmly - it can be cool once the sun sets.

Saturday, locally grown and Western slope produce is still available at the Gunnison Farmer's Market, located on East Virginia Ave. Head over and pick up some healthy and delicious produce and baked goods. You can even partake in some yummy southern style "vittles" from Sugah's Restaurant.

The aspens are starting to change to their autumn golden splendor. Take some time to do some "leaf peeping" in the Gunnison Valley this weekend. Take a picnic and hike, bike, boat or drive to enjoy the view. Have a fun and safe weekend in Gunnison!

West Virginia Avenue CLOSED

Starting Monday, September 13th, the 100 Block of West Virginia Avenue will be closed. The Streets Crews will be removing the asphalt from the street in anticipation of the new asphalt overlay being placed later in the week. It is hoped, if all goes according to plan, that the new street asphalt will be placed and completed by Friday. Once Virginia Avenue is complete, the Crews will start work on the 100 Block of West Georgia Avenue. For additional information, contact the Public Works Department at 641-8020. We all recognize this is a tempoorary inconvenience due to the street closure, however, the City crews thank everyone for their patience during this project.

Beautiful September

It's another beautiful September in Gunnison. There's still a lot to do on the weekends. Kids can head over to the Community Pool for Dive at 5 Fridays. There's fun supervised games for the kids. There is always a great selection of restaurants, brew pubs and taverns to satisfy your Friday night dinner plans. After dinner, drive south of town to the Gunnison Valley Observatory. The facility is open on Friday evenings throughout September for public viewing through the 30" telescope. We saw a huge, glowing "fireball" last Friday night!

Saturday mornings, the Gunnison Farmers' Market is still in full swing. Head over to the 100 Block of East Virginia and pick up some fresh and delicious locally grown fruits and vegetables. It's getting cooler - so get some produce for a healthy vegetable soup or stew! Apples should start coming in soon - so dig out those pie and "crisp" recipes. The rest of the weekend, enjoy the wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities that abound in our Valley!

The City crews continue to work on projects. Pothole patching is taking place around the City streets. Pavement will soon be applied on the 100 Blocks of West Virginia and Georgia Avenues.

In the Building Dpartment, there has been a total of 25 building permits issued since the beginning of the year. Seven of these were residential sarts. Last year at this time, 40 permits had been issued. It is anticipated that building permit fees and total construction valuation totals for this year will be in line with historic rates. Use tax fees will be lower because of the unusual number of permits issued to tax exempt organizations.

In the Parks & Recreation Department, the Parks crew has experienced a substantial amount of turnover this year. Jerad Besecker, a Gunnison native, has been promoted to Parks Foreman. He has 5 years experience with the Department. AJ Allen, who has worked as a Parks temporary employee, has been hired full-time on the Parks Crew. And finally, the crew is fully staffed once again on September 7th, with the hiring of Lew Brown. Lew previously worked as an irrigation specialist at the Dos Rios golf Course. Welcome to all of you.

The Community Center is now fully open after its recent cleaning and maintenance. Both pools were drained and acid washed. All pool decks and locker room floors were power washed and all tile flooring was stipped and waxed. The climbing wall holds were removed, acid washed and power washed and the routes re-established after the wall was scrubbed. Contractors refinished the gym floor and the gym west wall and roof seam were repaired. Come out to the Community Center to enjoy the fun!
Have a safe, relaxing and fun September weekend!

Fall Community Center Hours

There are NEW HOURS at the Gunnison Community Center. Beginning September 4th, the Center will be open Monday through Thursday from 6am to 9pm. Fridays the facility will be open 6am to 8pm. Saturdays the facility will be open from 10am to 8pm and Sundays from 12pm to 8pm.

The Climbing Wall inside the Community Center is open Monday through Friday from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12 Noon to 6pm. Come out to the Community Center and have some FUN!

City Offices to Be Closed

It looks like it is going to be a great Labor Day Weekend in the City of Gunnison. City Offices will be closed on Monday, September 6th for the Labor Day Holiday. Of course, our dedicated Police Officers and Communications Dispatchers will be on duty serving the community.

In other news - just a reminder to our utility customers. The August water, sewer, electric and refuse bills that you received the last week of August, are due on September 10th. The Finance Department sent out 132, 24-hr. shut off notices in August. If you receive one of these notices for non-payment, you must pay an additional reconnect fee - so pay those bills on time!

In the Public Works Department, the crews continue to retrofit the refuse dumpsters. All but the Tuesday's route has been completed with the automated dumpsters. Crews and the City concrete contractor have finished the concrete replacement project on N. Wisconsin Street, West Georgia and West Virginia Avenues. The paving is hoped to begin within the next week to 10 days. Pothole patching is taking place as asphalt becomes available from the plant. The Bridge-to-Bridge Trail construction continues. The North Bridge segment (at Hwy 135) is expected to be complete by the week of September 13th. The trail should be open for bicycle and pedestrian traffic by the end of that week. The West Bridge construction is underway and the concrete crews should begin work the week of September 13th. Tree chipping has been completed. Enough chips were made for the composting operations at the Wastewater Treatment Plant so that no chips need to be purchased and hauled from out of town. This is a cost savings for the citizens. The Water Crew has patched streets where water and sewer repairs were made this summer.

It seems the leaves are starting to fall earlier this year - s0 - we expect to shut down the irrigation ditch water the first week of October. More detailed information will be posted as it becomes available.

The First Friday Gallery Crawl takes place this evening starting at 5pm. This is followed by Friday night public viewing through the 30" telescope at the Gunnison Valley Observatory. The gates at the facility open at 7:30pm. The Community Aquatics Center will re-open on Sautday, September 4th at 10:00am. There will be Labor Day Sidewalk Sales happening at many Gunnison businesses this weekend. Check out the bargains and shop local! When you do - you not only benefit your friends and neighbors - the business owners and employees - but help fund City services to you, our citizens, as well.
Get out and enjoy the beautiful late summer in the Gunnison Valley. We wish everyone a fun and safe Labor Day Holiday.

This Week in the City

August is almost gone - where did the summer go? City crews have another busy week ahead.

The Water crew is working on the sewer line in the alley behind the Gunnisack Restaurant. They also continue to keep water in the City irrigation ditches, even with the low flows in the River.
The Streets crew is finishing up the prep work on the 100 Block of West Georgia Avenue. This is in preparation for the asphalt overlay after Labor Day. Pothole patching will take place when the City can obtain asphalt hotmix from the local asphalt plant. Slurry Seal of several streets will take place the end of September or the first week of October. The call for crack sealing bids will be posted the end of this week. It is best for the streets to cool down a bit before starting crack sealing. Tree grinding continues and the resulting chips will be hauled to the City Wasterwater Treatment Plant to be made into compost. The grinding keeps the organic tree material out of the landfill and provides a useable end product.
The Electric crew opened the bids for change-out of rotten utility poles and they are continuing utility pole inspections. The Electric crew is also preparing for the burial of the overhead electric line on the old Ruland School site that is now the entryway property into Western State College. The line burial will take place after Labor Day.
The Parks & Recreation employees are extremely busy with the maintenance and cleaning at the Community Center. The recreational ameneties are closed this week. Please see the prior post below for details on the closure. The Recreation Office is open all week and is accepting registration for the fall programs. The Community Center will reopen next week. On Monday, September 6th - Labor Day - the pools will be open from 8am to 9pm. There will be no early morning swim. The climbing wall will be open from 1pm to 8:30pm.
The Finance Department continues to receive and post utility bills, is working on an inventory of City fixed assets, and is starting work on the 2011 budget.
The Communications employees and Police Department continue to answer calls and provide service to citizens and visitors alike. Just a reminder - SLOW DOWN in school zones and throughout the community. School is back in session, so keep your foor light on the accelerator and watch out for the kids on their way to and from school.
The City Clerk's team is evaluating RFPs for a new City website and is preparing obsolete records for a mass shredding project.

Just a reminder - all City offices will be closed on Monday, September 6th, in observance of Labor Day. Police, Communications and the Fire Department will be working for emergency calls. Have a safe and productive week.

And in fantastic news - the City has been notified that it will be receiving $75,000 in grant funds from the Department of Local Affairs. This money will be used for repair of the downtown irrigation ditches. The project planning has been completed and prep work and purchasing of the necessary materials will be started. The actual reconstruction of the ditches will start in the spring.

What's Happening

City Employees are busy this week with a variety of projects. The Finance Department has finalized this month's utility bills and they are in the mail to all utility customers. Remember - they are due Friday, September 10th. The 2011 Budget planning process has started.
The City Clerk's Department staff is completing the paperwork from this past week's Municipal Court session. Court is typically held every other Wednesday at 2pm at City Hall.
The Communiciations and Police Departments are busy with calls. College is back in session with the annual influx of students and this results in increased calls for service.
The Street & Alley crews are busy removing and repairing the concrete curb and gutter on the 100 Block of West Georgia Avenue. This work, like all of the work done on the 100 Block of West Virginia Avenue, is in preparation of the street paving that will take place on these streets, and other locations, in September. Slurry sealing will take place on various City streets after Labor Day. A schedule of streets will be listed in a later blog posting. And of course, refuse and rcycling pickup continues.
In the Parks & Recreation Department, the Fall Recreation Program registration is starting. The Progam guide is available on-line at http://www.GunnisonRec.com and click on the parks and recreation department link or brochures can be picked up at the Community Center, located at 200 E. Spencer Avenue or at City Hall, 201 W. Virginia Avenue. Remember - the Community Center facility will be closed next week for annual maintenance and cleaning. The schedule can be found in the August 11th blog posted below.

This weekend, start out with free music on the Gunnison Arts Center patio starting at 5pm on Friday evening. This is the last free Fridays at 5 concert of the year. If music isn't your thing, there is fun for the kids at the Gunnison Community Pool with the Dive at 5 Fridays. Supervised pool games provide acitivies for the kids. Public Viewing of the night sky through the 30" telescope will take place at the Gunnison Valley Observatory. The gates open at 7:30 P.M. For more information go to http://www.gunnisonobservatory.org/ On Saturday morning, the Gunnison Farmers' Market will be set up on the 100 Block of East Virginia Avenue and will have a wide variety of fresh produce, baked goods and other crafted items. Gunnison Partners will be holding their fundraiser "Pedal for Partners" from 8am to 2pm. The ride ends at the Jorgensen Event Center on East Tomichi Avenue. Saturday evening at 7pm, local historian Dave Primus will be talking on "Beneath the Blue Mesa: The Gunnison River Valley Before Blue Mesa Reservoir". The talk will be held in the Savage Library on the WSC Campus. Sunday, the Gunnison River Restival folks will be hosting a fundraiser Horseshoe Tournament at Legion Park from 11am to 7pm. The Gunnison Arts Center will host their final "Sundays at 7" at Legion Park.

Have a safe and fun weekend in Gunnison.

What a Weekend

Thanks goes out to all of the organizations that put in huge amounts of planning and execution efforts for all of the great events that took place in Gunnison this past weekend. A special thanks goes out to all of the City employees that helped make each of these events a smooth-running reality. The Streets & Alleys crew for all of the barricading work, Police Department for traffic control, Communications/Dispatch for taking emergency calls, Refuse crew for picking up all of the mountains of generated trash and the Parks & Recreation crew for all of their event work.

The Carvin' Up Colorado woodcarving event was spectaular. If you didn't get a chance to see the carvers in action, the finished wood sculptures are on display at Legion Park. First place went to Ken Braun's "Predators". Second place went to Tom Zimmer for his "Circle of Life" and third Place went to Forrest Dorman's "Wildlife Experience". The hollowed-out bear, "Ol' Sppoky" carved by Stevie Songer, was the People's Choice Award winner. Congratulations to all of the talented carvers.

The Gunnison Car Club's 23rd Annual Car Show was a success. The "Rev Tones" provided great music on Friday evening. Mayor Stu Ferguson presented a City proclamation to Wil Cooksey - "The Man Who SAved Corvette". Mr. Cooksey was honored with having the weekend declared "Wil Cooksey Days in the City of Gunnison". He was a wealth of information on the Corvette cars. The Car Show's Annual Mayor's Trophy was awarded by Mayor Stu Ferguson to a 1931 Ford Pickup Truck that is lovingly and carefully under construction. The Best of Show Trophy was awarded to a black, "checkered flag-themed" Corvette.

The 24 hrs. in the Sage was well attended out at Hartman Rocks. Intrepid mountain bike riders toughed it out over 12 hour and 24 hour time period races. That's an amazing amount of biking! Congratulations to all of the racers and finishers.

FABULOUS WEEKEND AHEAD!

It'll be a fun-filled, fabulous weekend in Gunnison. Starting Thursday evening, and continuing until 5pm on Saturday evening, the 5th Annual "Carvin' Up Colorado" takes place at Legion Park. Eleven wood carvers from Colorado,Nebraska, Washington, and Oklahoma will turn "leftover" logs into works of art. This year's theme is "Outdoor Colorado". The tree stumps are from the 100 block of North Wisconsin and even the City's 2009 Christmas Tree! What a great way to recycle our trees!

Friday evening will be busy downtown. Free music will start at 5pm on the Gunnison Arts Center patio - just off Tomichi Avenue. Then head "uptown" to the first four blocks of North Main Street for the start of the 23rd Annual Gunnison Car Show. The Friday night cruise-in starts with car registration at IOOF Park at 5pm. The cars will be on display in the street while "The Rev Tones" provides rockin' music on the stage in front of Gunnison Savings & Loan. Opening ceremonies start at 6pm on the stage with presentation of the flag, singing of the Naitonal Anthem and presentation of a City proclamation to Wil Cooksey - "The Man Who Saved Corvette". Enjoy dinner and a brew at one of Gunnison's great restaurants and stroll among the cars and pick out your favorite!

The Gunnison Valley Observatory will be holding public viewing at Friday evening starting at 8pm. There will not be a mini-lecture on Friday, just viewing through the 30" telescope and smaller amateur scopes set up at the facility. The scope is the largest, publically owned and publically accessible telescope in Colorado.

Saturday morning will see the Gunnison Farmers' Market taking place from 9:30am-1:30pm, on the 100 Block of East Virginia by the IOOF Park. After stocking up on fresh produce and other tempting products, head over to Jorgensen Park (500 block of East Tomichi) to see up to 500 cars entered in the Gunnison Open Car Show. The Car Show runs through 3pm, when prizes and awards will be given. Across the street at Legion Park, the tree carving continues with prizes awarded at 5pm. On Saturday from 9am to 4pm, the High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival takes place at Legion Park. It's a chance to stock up on beautifully crafted items - maybe start that early Christmas shopping (yikes!)

Out at Hartman Rocks Recreation Area (south of Gunnison) - the 8th Annual 24 Hours in the Sage Bike Race takes place starting at High Noon. Over 250 expert moutain bike riders will participate in the challenging 12 hr. and 24 hr.!!! bike challenge over the beautiful and exciting Hartman Rocks trails. Go out to watch and cheer on these amazing athletes.

Back in Gunnison, Western State College and the Community welcomes back the WSC students with the annual WSC WOW event. Starting at 5pm, students and community members will gather on the first three blocks of North Main Street to enjoy games, fun, eating contests, and music provided by the bands "Iola", "Hillside Avenue", and "Dressy Bessy" .

Over at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center at the Rodeo Grounds, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will be holding their annual Fundraiser Banquet. There is always great auction items to bid on. Ticket information is available at 641-1087. The Gunnison Observatory will be hosting a "by-reservation only" viewing event at the observatory on Saturday night starting at 8:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance during the day at the Car Show at Jorgensen Park. "Cars in the Stars" will be the mini-lecture during the "by-ticket only" viewing event. Just think - Galaxy, Nova and ?? Subaru.

After all of the Saturday excitment, the Car Show participants will hold a Sunday morning breakfast run from Gunnison to Crested Butte starting at 8am at the Wal-Mart parking lot. Sunday, after breakfast at one of Gunnison's yummy restaurants, head out for fishing, hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, rafting, more fishing, swimming or games at the City Community Center, mini-golf at the local course or full golf at Dos Rios Club, or strolling through the historic buildings, sculpture garden and art galleries of Gunnison. The Gunnison Arts Center will be holding a Historic House Tour from 1 to 4pm. More information on tickets can be found at www.gunnisonartscenter.org Finish out Sunday by grabbing your picnic basket, lawn chairs or blanket, and refreshments and head over to the Gunnison Arts Center Sundays at 7 music at the Legion Park pavilion. Have a relaxing, enjoyable, fun and safe weekend!

Fall Recreation Programs Registration

It's time for Fall Recreation Programs and the Gunnison Parks and Recreation Fall Offerings will be avilable to view on-line on August 24th. Brochures will be available for pickup at the Gunnison Community Center on Wednesday, August 25th. Registration beings 8am on Wednesday, August 25th. Many programs start the 1st and 2nd weeks of September, so register early!
The Community Center is closed for cleaning September 1st thru 4th, but the office will be open for registration and general information. Feel free to stop by the Community Center at 200 E. Spencer Avenue, or visit the website at www.GunnisonRec.com to get registered for programs. For more information, call 641-8060.

West Virginia Avenue Closed

The City Water crew and the Streets & Alleys crew have the 100 Block of West Virginia Avenue closed. The Water crew is repairing/replacing a water main by Bank of the West. Better to repair the line while the street is torn up - before new asphalt is placed. The Streets & Alleys crew continues to remove damaged concrete curb and gutter and asphalt in preparation for the upcoming street overlay. The Crews appreciate everyone's patience during the street closure. It'll be a great improvement for drivers, parkers, bikers, long-boarders and pedestrians once the project is complete.

Another Great August Weekend

The weather forecast is calling for a beautiful weekend! Start out this evening with free live music on the Gunnison Art Center patio. Local music artist Kevin Walter will be playing starting at 5pm. Follow this with dinner and libations at one of the local great restaurants and pubs. At 8pm, head out to the Gunnison Valley Observatory, located across from the Hartman Rocks Recreation Area, for the astronomy mini-lecture series and viewing through the 30" telescope and smaller amateur scopes. You may even see some of the Perseid meteors that are dancing through the skies at this time of year.

On Saturday morning, after breakfast and coffee at one of the local restuarants or coffee houses, head on over to the Gunnison Valley Farmers Market. Fresh, local and Western Slope, produce is abundant at this time of year. The Top of the World Garden Club's Annual Flower Show takes place from 2 to 4 pm at the County's Fred Field Western Heritage Center at the Rodeo Grounds. Follow this up with rip-roaring, mud-flinging, fun at the Gunnison Mud Runs at the Rodeo Grounds! Public viewing again takes place on Saturday evening at 8pm at the Gunnison Observatory.

On Sunday, enjoy the great outdoor recreation opporunities the Valley has to offer and finish out the summer weekend with Sundays at 7 at Legion Park. "Mountain Holler" will be providing free music. Bring your lawnchair or blanket and kick back for some great music.

Community Center Closure Dates

To our valued patrons: The Gunnison Community Center and Aquatics Center will be closed the following dates for their annual cleaning:

Pool - closed August 29th thru September 3rd

Climbing Wall and Gymnastics Gym - closed August 30th thru September 3rd

Entire Building - closed September 1st thru September 3rd

Offices will remain open Monday, August 30th thru Friday, September 3rd from 8am to 5pm for Fall Program Registration. Program registration information can be found at: http://activenet13.active.com/gunnisonrec

YES, there WILL BE a Young at Heart Senior Meal on Wednesday, September 1st and Friday, Setpember 3rd.

On Labor Day - Monday, Setpember 6th - the offices will be closed but the building will be open from 8am to approximately 9pm. There will be NO early morning swimming available on Labor Day.

For more information - call 641-8060 or stop by the Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue.

Sewer Slip-What??

Having run a television camera through some sewer main lines throughout town, the City Water and Sewer crew are now involved in fixing the major leaks they found during their search. The crew - along with a contract company - are slip lining the leaking sewer mains. A flexible, concrete-type material is fed into the sewer line via a sewer manhole. The material is then expanded to fit the pipe diameter, heated to cause it to harden, a machine re-opens the pipe openings through the slip lining to each service line and voila - the sewer leak is repaired without having to dig up the length of the sewer pipe. It is faster and less costly to repair sewer main lines in this manner. Although there are temporary street lane or alley closures, the process is much faster than having to dig up the pipe, install a new one and then refill and repair the torn up asphalt or concrete. Joe Doherty, Water & Sewer Superintendent, thanks everyone for their patience during the lane and alley closures. It's a dirty job but one that needs to be done!

What's Happening on Wisconsin Street

The Public Works crew continues their work on the 100 Block of North Wisconsin Street. Having removed the old, rotten cottonwood trees, they have removed the huge stumps that had buckled the concrete in the sidewalks and curb and gutter. The old roots had also grown into and collapsed sections of the buried irrigation ditch culvert. The sidewalk and curb/gutter have been removed and the buried irrigation culvert has now been replaced. In the coming weeks, the sidewalk will be replaced through the City's 50/50 concrete program. The adjacent property owners will pay for half of the replacement costs of the concrete. This work is in advance of the street repair/resurfacing work that will take place on the 100 Block of West Virginia Avenue and the 100 Block of West Georgia Avenue. The potholes have been multiplying on West Georgia and this section will soon sport a new overlay - much to the relief of motorists and bicyclists alike. The City workers appreciate everyone's patience with the street and sidewalk closures and thanks them for their diligence and safety in the work zones. We will all appreciate the new asphalt and sidewalks once the projects are complete.

Lots to Do in Gunnison

Well - the daily monsoon rains continue and we are all ready to start quacking and waddling on webbed feet! Good thing sandals and flip-flops are the footwear of most Gunnisonites! Even with the daily rains, there is a lot to do this upcoming summer weekend.
Start off Friday evening with the First Friday Gallery Walk downtown. You can begin at the Gunnison Arts Center, listen to free music provided by "Mountain Holler" on the patio, take in the wonderful artwork inside the Center and then head to the other Gallery Walk venues. A list of participating art galleries can be found at the Arts Center. If art isn't your cup of tea - head over the the Gunnison Community Pool at 200 East Spencer for the "Dive at 5" Program. There is supervised pool games for the kids. Follow up your activities with dinner at one of Gunnison's fabulous restaurants. Then head out to the Gunnison Valley Observatory for the Summer Lecture Series and listen to Dr. Richard Olenick speak on "Dward Novae" and look at the stars through the 30" telescope and smaller amateur scopes. If it's clear, you might be able to see some meteors - the start of the Perseid Meteor Show that peaks this coming Thursday/Friday eveving.
Saturday morning, head to the Gunnison Farmers' Market located on the 100 Block of E Virginia, adjacent to the IOOF Park. You can purchase locally grown produce, get some great artisan breads and pastries, buy a bottle of western slope wine, peruse the local arts and crafts and visit with just about everyone in Gunnison. Saturday afternoon you can enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, rafting, tennis, softball, basketball, climbing and just about every other kind of outdoor recreation. If the rains do come, head over to the Gunnison Pioneer Museum and enjoy the fascinating exhibits. You can learn a lot about the history of the Gunnison Valley. There is also the Gunnison Community Center for indoor recreation - swimming, basketball, play pool, foosball or pingpong, or just hang out by the TV. There is also a 3-D movie playing at the Ruby Cinema on the WSC College Campus.
Sunday you can finish out the weekend by attending the Gunnison Arts Center Sundays at 7 to hear "Gypsy Jazz Social Club" provide music at the new pavilion at Legion Park on East Tomichi Avenue. Have a great weekend. Quack!

FUNducation Starts Soon

School starts in 3 weeks and Gunnison Parks and Recreation is now taking registration for the FUNducation Program. This program takes place at the Gunnison Community/Aquatics Center and is open for all kids in grades K-4. FUNducation, offered Monday thru Friday, begins after the end of the fill school day and ends at 6:00 PM. Transportation to the Community Center is provided by the public school buses. There is a variety of daily after school activities to keep your child safe, healthy and happy. Each day is individually designed to inspire and entertain your child. Please call Parks and Recreation at 641-8060 or stop by the Community Center at 200 E Spencer Avenue to get information and to register.

This Week in Gunnison

It's warm and sunny in Gunnison and we hope you are all enjoying the summer. City employees are busy serving our citizens and visitors. The Refuse Crew continues to convert City dumpsters for pickup by the new automated refuse truck. The Electric Crew is busy with tree trimming following some of our very windy afternoon and evening storms. If the loose branches are not removed they can fall on the lines and cause a widespread power outage. They are also performing some power factor work at the WAPA (Western Area Power Administration) substation behind the City shops on West Virginia Avenue. The Water Crew is working on repairing a water leak in the 300 block of South 12th Street and will be working on a water service upgrade to the Catholic Church Parish Hall renovation project. The bids for the 2010 street improvements project will be opened today at 2pm. Street sweeping continues. The Parks Crew is busy with Parks maintenance. It's an unending job in the summer trying to keep the parks in good shape between all of the events that are held in the parks. The Recreation Staff finished up the summer youth baseball program last week. The Finance Department has processed this month's utility bills and customers should be receiving those any time. Remember - they are due on the 10th of the month. The Municipal Court staff had a very full Court docket last week and follow-up continues on these cases. Summer is still in full swing and all City employees are busy with summertime projects. The Building Official continues inspections on the HIgh School construction project as they are trying to get everything ready for the return of the students in not too many weeks time!

Tomorrow night at the 7pm City Council meeting, the Councilors will hear pubic input on the issuance of a 3.2% beer permit at the local Wal-Mart Store. The Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association will give a quarterly update on their activities. The presentation of the 2009 City Audit has been postponed and an extension is being requested of the State Auditors Office. Council will possibly take action on the Challenge Grant Applications from the Colorado Strawbale Association Annual Conference and the Gunnison Mud Runs. They will consider the License Agreement Application from the Gunnison Arts Center to place 2 signs on City Right-of-Way to advertise activities at their facility. Possible action will also take place on the aquisition of water rights in the Whipp Ditch on the VanTuyl Ranch and the Wal-Mart 3.2% Beer application. Council will consider the passage of a Resolution regarding the November State Ballot Measures: Proposition 101 and Amendments 60 and 61. Police Chief Robinson will give Council a semi-annual report on the activities of the Gunnison Police Department. As always - the public is always welcome at City Council meetings. Have a wonderful week!

Week of July 19th

It was a fun and busy weekend in Gunnison. Many thanks go out to the Cattlemen's Days Committee for all of their hard work in putting on their annual event. It brought a lot of folks to town and always provides a great western venue for locals and visitors alike. A lot of folks say that summer is all downhill after Cattlemen's Days. But - there is still a lot to do in Gunnison! This blog will help to keep you informed as to some of the "goings-on" in our community.

But first....This week the Streets & Alleys crews will start on the City right-of-way work on the 100 block of North Wisconsin. The large cottonwood stumps will be removed and eventually the concrete will be replaced and new tress will be planted in the area. The 2010 slurry seal bids and tree grinding bids will be opened today at the Public Works Shop. The Electric Crew continues with electric line maintenance (a never-ending but crucial task) and with taking down and putting up banners and flags over Tomichi Avenue. The Water/Sewer Crew continues with videoing the sewer lines in preparation of slip-lining the interior of the problem pipes later in the summer. Slip-lining corrects a sewerline leak without having to dig up the entire pipe. Lexan windows are being installed in the new RTA bus shelter on North 11th Street. And of course - street sweeping and refuse collection continues every work day. The Recreation employees continue with the fun summer recreation programs and are now making preparations for the fall and winter programs! It's hot outside but they are already thinking about football, hockey and cross-country skiing. The Parks crews are working to keep all of the parks facilities and amenities in shape and safe for the multitude of summer events and activites. Finance is processing the June sales tax receipts and the June utility bills. The Clerk's Department team is revamping the off-site records storage facility and preparing for a busy Municipal Court session on Wednesday afternoon.

Tomorrow evening at City Council, your elected officials will be holding a work session meeting where they will discuss a Challenge Grant Application from the Colorado Straw Bale Association to hold their annual conference in Gunnison on September 18th and 19th. Council will also review a Challenge Grant Application for the Gunnison Mud Runs to be held in Gunnison on August 14th at the Rodeo Grounds. A License Agreement Application from the Gunnison Arts Center will be discussed. The Arts Center would like to place two signs on City Right-of-Way and this requires a License Agreement to be approved by City Council. A representative of the Gunnison Rising applicants will come before Council with a request regarding the City's subdivision requirements and the Council-approved Gunnison Rising Annexation Agreement. Police Chief Keith Robinson will give Council an update on next week's visit from the Hell's Angels motorcycle group and there will be a discussion on the 2009 City Audit. As always, information on these topics can be found on the City website at http://www.cityofgunnison-co.gov/council/epackets/default.htm

The City Planning & Zoning Commission will be meeting on Wednesday at 7pm and will be discussing and acting upon a Conditional Use Application for the Gunnison Valley Hospital epansion project and on a resolution recommending the approval of the VanTuyl Ranch Management Plan. Again, information concerning the P&Z meeting and the VanTuyl Ranch Master Plan can be found at www.cityofgunnison-co.gov/community_development_planning/planning_default.htm

If you have questions about what's happening in the City Departments or want to get a comment to your elected officials, call 641-8080 and we will direct you to the right person. Have a great week!

Busy Week - Busier Weekend

City employees had a busy week. The Public Works crews removed the cottonwood trees from North Wisconsin Street across from City Hall. The Water & Sewer crew continued with the sewer line inspection work and the crew out at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on McCabe Lane kept everything flowing down hill. It's not a pretty job but it's one of the most important jobs in the City! The Police Department, Parks & Recreation crews and Streets & Alley crews are busy with preparations for the upcoming Cattlemen's Days weekend events. It takes a lot of coordination to assist with all of the events. The Community Development Department is working on several Challenge Grant and License Agreement applications, finalizing the last draft of the VanTuyl Ranch Master Plan, conducting inspections of the Cattlemen's Days Carnival, reviewing plans for the new hospital expansion and inspections at the High School renovation project.

This weekend is one of the busiest of the year in Gunnison. This evening - take the kids out to Dive at 5 Friday at the Community Pool. For a $1.00 admission, kids can participate in supervised fun games in the pool. The live music of Tyler Hanson can be heard for free on the Arts Center Patio starting at 5pm. There is public viewing of the night sky both Friday and Saturday nights at the Gunnison Valley Observatory starting at 8pm. The GVO is located south of Gunnison on Gold Basin Road across from the Hartman Rocks Recreation area. Put on your jeans, boots and cowboy hat and then "mosey" over to the Cattlemen's Days Rodeo and Carnival at the County Rodeo Grounds located south of Safeway on Spruce Street. If you're not too tired, you can finish your Friday night (and Saturday night too) by dancing at the Elk's Lodge on South Main Street. For a complete schedule of Cattlemen's Days events go to http://www.cattlemensdays.com/

Start your Saturday morning at the IOOF Park on the corner of Main and Virginia with the 1st Annual Gunnison Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. All you can eat flapjacks (pancakes) can be had starting at 7am and going until the pancakes are gone! All proceeds fund youth projects in the community. The Duster's Main Street Mile starts at 9am at the North City Limits on N. Main Street/Highway 135 and the run heads south down Main Street. It's your chance to stretch your legs before sitting down on the curb and watching the annual Gunnison Cattlemen's Days Parade at 10am. The parade theme this year is "My, how time flies!" After the parade, roam through the weekly Gunnison Farmer's Market on the 100 Block of East Virginia Avenue and pick up fresh fruits and veggies, eggs and meats, delectable baked goods, some west slope wine and beautiful arts and craft items from talented local artists. For lunch there are lots of Cattlemen's Days lunch events or stop in one of the local restaurants for some delicious "western grub". Saturday afternoon is the Junior Livestock Auction followed by the PRCA Rodeo and the carnival in the evening.
Sunday will wrap up this year's Cattlemen's Days. There will be the horse race meet at the rodeo grounds. Get out and enjoy the outdoor recreation surrounding Gunnison then finish out the weekend with a picnic supper (from one of our great local restaurants) on the lawn at Legion Park and enjoy the free live music of "Rock Bottom" during the Gunnison Art Center's Sundays at 7 program. All of the City staff and employees wish everyone a safe and fun Cattlemen's Days weekend! Yee-haw!

Goodbye Cottonwoods

Some of the oldest cottonwood trees in Gunnison are coming down. The City Electric Crew and Streets and Alleys Crew are taking down several cottonwood trees on the east side of the 100 Block of North Wisconsin Street. These trees were cored by the State Forestry Department and were determined to be rotten inside the trunks. This poses a safety risk for citizens and adjacent property. With this spring and summer's windy conditions, the crews are helping to maintain the safety of our community. The tree debris will be chipped and used in the City's composting operations and some of the tree trunks will be preserved for the Annual "Carvin' Up Colorado" tree carving contest held on August 19th - 21st in Legion Park. Please be alert when driving or walking by the work area. The crews have the area coned off for everyone's safety. Keep a safe distance from the work zone.

NEW - Friday Dive at 5

The Gunnison Aquatics Center announces a new kids program - Friday Dive at 5! . Every Friday from 5pm until closing, youth admission will only be $1. (this is a $3 savings) There will be games for kids of all ages in the pool. Lifeguard supervised games and activities will take place between 5 and 6pm. The pool is located in the Gunnison Community Center at 200 East Spencer Avenue (behind Wal-Mart and True Value on the north edge of town). For more information contact Ben at: bgoldstein@cityofgunnison-co.gov Come out on Friday evenings for a splashing great time!

This Weekend

It was another busy week in Gunnison. The Streets and Alleys crew are performing street maintenance, including street sweeping, pothole repairs and fixing street signs. The water and sewer crew have been sending a miniature camera through the sewer lines to detect breaks and problems. This can pinpoint the areas that need repair without having to dig up the entire line. Retrofitting of the old dumpsters for pickup by the new refuse truck continues. Grinding of tree limbs, waste asphalt and concrete has been completed. The ground organic material is used in the composting operation at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to make "Gunnison Gold Compost". The Finance Department is processing utility bills and the Clerks Department is working on completing open records requests, processing Court paperwork and working on a couple of new liquor license applications.

This weekend there will be music on the Gunnison Arts Center patio on Friday evening at 5pm. Saturday will be a busy day at Jorgensen Park with the annual Wet Grocer Softball Tournament and the Colorado State Marbles Tournament. Head on over to the park and watch the action! Saturday will also see the Farmers Market downtown adjacent to the IOOF Park on East Virginia Avenue and Sundays at 7 will take place at Legion Park - obviously on Sunday starting at 7pm.

Cattlemen's Days starts up and the Annual 4-H Horse Show takes place at the Gunnison Rodeo Grounds on Saturday. Good luck to all of the participants. Yee-haw! Have a safe and happy relaxing weekend.

4th of July Schedule of Events

The 4th of July Schedule of Events:
11am-3pm Music by Furtado and U-47 at IOOF Park. Kids' slip and slide and other activities
3:45pm Trivia questions and prizes at Jorgensen Gazebo
4 - 4:45pm Live music by Pimp Valley Drifters in Outdoor Rink
4:45 - 5pm Band Break; trivia questions & prizes at Gazebo
5 - 6pm Pimp Valley Drifters Music
6 - 7pm Patriotic Activities at Gazebo; more trivia games and prizes
6 - 7pm Beer Garden with music at Outdoor Rink
7 - 7:45pm Live music by Bruce Hayes Band in Outdoor Rink
7:45 - 8pm Band Break; trivia questions and prizes
8 - 9pm Bruce Hayes Band Music
9:15pm Elizabeth Bond sings the National Anthem at Gazebo
9:20pm Fireworks Show Begins

Independence Day Weekend!

It is a busy upcoming Independence Day weekend in Gunnison. Everyone is invited to the ribbon cutting of the new Legion Park playground structure at 5:30pm today, Friday, July 2nd. Aimee Wesley from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) will cut the ribbon. After the dedication, head downtown for the free "Fridays at 5" on the Arts Center patio. After relaxing to the great jazz music of the "Carl Mienecke Jazz Explosion" and enjoying some liquid refreshments, head inside the Arts Center and start your "Gunnison Gallery Crawl". This month the Arts Center is hosting the Francis King Western Art Collection from the Sangre de Cristo Art Museum in Pueblo. Also included in the first Friday of the month Gallery Crawl is the Brick Cellar, Gunnison Art Gallery, Rocky Mountain Frames, Mochas and the Blue Thunder Artists Coop. Have dinner at one of Gunnison's fine restaurants and then head south of Gunnison to the Gunnison Valley Observatory. Tonight, Friday July 2nd marks the beginning of the Summer Lecture/Viewing Series. Local astronomer Mike Brooks will be speaking on "Globular Clusters" and public viewing will take place through the publically-owned 30" cassegrain telescope and through smaller amateur telescope set up on the facility grounds. There is a requested donation charge of $5 for adults and $3 for children. The publically-owned GVO runs solely on donations and grants. The GVO will offer the program again on Saturday night. The gates will open both nights at 8pm. Bring a jacket - it gets chilly after dark.

Just after dawn on Saturday morning, ride your townie bike over to Jorgensen Park to watch the ascension of the annual Gunnison Balloon Rally. Stu and Diana Barton of the local Trough Restaurant are to be commended for hosting this annual event over the 4th of July. Balloonist from mostly New Mexico and Colorado come to Gunnison to enjoy the cool mountain air. bring your camera - it is a beautiful site. After a hearty breakfast at one of the local eateries, grab some coffee from one of the wonderful coffeehouses and visit the Gunnison Farmer's Market. Stock up on organic fruits and vegetables and delectable bakery goods, buy a bottle of Western Slope Wine, and peruse the arts and crafts. Local food vendors offer some tasty vitals. While you're downtown stroll through the downtown sidewalk sales for some great deals on unique items. Many other businesses in town will also be holding 4th of July weekend sales. Be sure and check them out! Saturday morning at 9am is the start of this year's Jack Russell Terrier Trials at the Fred Field Western Heritage Center (rodeo grounds) Watching this fun-filled event of these intelligent and energetic pups is free to the public.

Saturday afternoon is your opportunity to enjoy a swim and splash with the kids on the slides or water features at the Gunnison Community Center pool. If swimming is not your cup of tea - try the fishing in Pac-Man Pond at Jorgensen Park or walk, run or ride the trails at the City's VanTuyl Ranch or Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. You can finish out your Saturday activities by catching the 3-D movie at the Ruby Cinema at the Student Center at Western State College.

Sunday is Independence Day! And a busy day it is. Very early, the balloons will once again be flying over the City. Starting at 12 Noon until 4pm, there will be activities at the IOOF Park. There will be food, games and activities. The bands "U-47" and "Iola" will be providing great music. At 4pm, head over to Jorgensen Park. From 4 to 9pm, activities will be centered in the outdoor covered ice rink. There will be a "food court" of local food vendors and a beer garden with beer provided by Gunnison's CB Brewing Company.Live music will be provided by the "Pimp Valley Drifters" and the "Bruce Hayes Band". At 9:15pm, the 58th Annual Rotary Fireworks will commence. Kick back on the lawn of Jorgensen or Legion Park and enjoy the show.

Just a reminder - while many, many City employees will be working this weekend to make it a safe and enjoyable weekend, City offices are closed for the long holiday weekend on Monday, July 5th. We'll be open Tuesday morning to serve you. Refuse routes normally picked up on Monday will be picked up on Tuesday, July 6th.

For everyone's safety, Highway 50 (Tomichi Avenue) will be closed at 5pm on Sunday, July 4th and traffic will be detoured around the parks areas via North Adams Street, East Georgia Avenue and North Colorado Street. Plan accordingly ahead of time where you want to park. Parking and driving will not be allowed along Tomichi Avenue. In addition, the road around the south and east side of Jorgensen Park will be closed all day, Sunday, July 4th.

Also remember, that all fireworks that leave the ground or explode are prohibited in the City. Violators could be ticketed. For everyone's safety do not bring any fireworks with you to the Rotary event - just enjoy the show. Have a fun and safe Independence Day weekend.

Week of June 28th

We just finished up a very busy weekend. Friday evening there was a well-attended music concert by the WSC Brass Band at the WSC Quigley Bandshell. Approximately 1200 weary but grinning bicyclists crossed the Bicycle Tour of Colorado finish line at the Gunnison Community School on Saturday. (picture at left) They started in Gunnison on Sunday, June 20th and finished in Gunnison after touring southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. Congratulations to City Manager Ken Coleman for completing the entire tour! This past weekend also saw the very successful Public Services Expo at Jorgensen Park on Saturday. Hundreds of children and adults toured the emergency services vehicles and equipment and learned about what the highly skilled and trained emergency services workers do to help our community. City Fire Marshal Dennis Spritzer (pictured at right) educated the kids about fire safety at the Kiwanis-sponsored Junglemobile. If you missed it, put it on your calendars for next June. It is a worthwhile event - and it is free! The Gunnison River Festival was held on Saturday and Sunday. Events started on Saturday with a river parade starting at the north bridge by Garlic Mike's and floating downriver to the Gunnison Whitewater Park west of town by the twin bridges. 400 to 500 folks attended Saturday's festivities at the Whitewater Park and participated in kids activities and enjoyed watching the thrilling river rafters and kayakers. The River Fest wrapped up Sunday with the Upper Taylor River Kayak Run and the Lower Taylor River Poker Run. A great time was had by all participants. Local Kayaker Kit Davidson (pictured left) placed second in the Upper Taylor River Run. It was a great summer evening on Sunday to round out the weekend of Gunnison activities at Legion Park. The Gunnison Arts Center's Sundays at 7 saw the inagural of the GOCO-grant funded Legion Park Pavilion. The Gunnison Bluegrass Connection concert was well attended by locals and visitors alike.

City staff and crews are busy this week. Preparations are being made for next weekend's 4th of July activities. Not only does the City contribute almost $6,000 in City grant funds to the annual Rotary Fireworks program, but also a great deal of in-kind service hours are spent by the Parks and Recreation, Events, Police and Neighborhood Services, Fire Marshal, Public Works and Refuse employees to make this annual event a continuing and safe success. Approximately 200 City employee hours and $3,500 in employee costs help bring this event to the community. The Parks crew is working diligently to complete the new playground structure at Legion Park. The two slides still need some work. On Friday, July 2nd at 5:30pm there will be a grand opening and ribbon cutting of the GOCO-funded equipment. Many community organizations and businesses donated time and money to help make all of the new Legion Park amenities a reality! Thanks to everyone who participated. The climbing boulder has been a great success with the kids and adults alike. The Parks crew is also working on additional features such as railings and lighting for the new Legion Park pavilion. The Recreation Department is working on the solar panels control monitors at the community pool. The pool is seeing a lot of summer use for swimming lessons and recreational swimming. The PD is working on planning for the 4th of July activities and the Hells Angels visit the end of July. Community Development is working with the Catholic Church on a variance application for the Parish Hall, presenting the VanTuyl Ranch Management Plan to City Council and the Planning Commission for their input and working with the Gunnison Hospital on their proposed expansion. The Public Works crews are going to be asphalt patching street cuts and potholes this week. They are also working on completing the bus shelter on North 11th Street and assisitng with the 4th of July events preparations. The Clerks Department is busy with several special events liquor permit applications for upcoming events and working on the application from Wal-Mart for them to sell 3.2% Beer at their store in Gunnison. We are also keeping you all updated through the City website and this blog. We hope you find this information useful. Have a great and safe week.